I was born in New London, Connecticut in February of 1996. About a year later, my family moved to Newport, Rhode Island, for my parents work and we stayed there until 1999. At that time my parents were looking for a more residential home, so we moved once again ending up at our current home in South Kingstown, Rhode Island. In South Kingstown, my education took place at the Peace Dale Early Learning Center, Peace Dale Elementary School, Broad Rock Middle School, Curtis Corner Middle Schools, and finally, South Kingstown High School. My experiences at these schools and with the people in them have shaped me to be the person I am today.
From first through fourth grade at Peace Dale Elementary School, I was a part of a program called Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope enabled four teachers to work together to create a fun and interactive schooling environment for their students. In this program, there were two first and second grade mixed classes, a third grade class, and a fourth grade class. During the day, the two classes of younger students would move between their classrooms for different subjects. For example, if it were time for math lessons, all the first grade students would move into one classroom and all the second grade students into another. These two teachers would work very closely to ensure the students got the most out of their time in both classrooms.
Not only were the younger classes closely linked, but several times a week, all the Kaleidoscope teachers would set aside time for “book buddies.” During this time, each of the first and second graders would be paired up with either a third or fourth grader and they would read to each other to enhance their learning experience. Additionally, at least once a week, all four classes would gather in the school library and have a group singing time. All the students would join into the silly songs their teachers had taught them including “A Pizza Hut,” “Black Socks,” and “Out the Window.”
This program was also very interactive for the parents of the students. Parents were constantly invited into the classrooms to assist the teachers and to watch as their children progressed. For my family, that meant my mother and sister would attend my class seeing as my younger sister was not yet old enough for school when I was in first and second grade. Additionally, during the winter and spring, Kaleidoscope hosted full day events asking the parents to volunteer to lead activities. In the winter, the Kaleidoscope event would be hosted among the four Kaleidoscope classrooms and children could move from one activity to another for a day of fun. It was the same for the spring, except the event was structured as a picnic and held at a local park. The parental involvement of Kaleidoscope definitely enhanced the learning experience for me and all the other students involved.
During my years in Kaleidoscope, I made many friends, some of which moved away and most I drifted away from. Although this is true, in the years after I found that my best friend for life was in that small group of students involved in Kaleidoscope. Although we were not good friends back then, having known each other for years led me and my best friend, Kate, to reconnect in high school. There is no better way to bond with someone than over childhood memories. Having known each other so long, Kate and I are able to connect on a deeper level and give each other the support we need when the other is feeling down.
I believe that programs such as Kaleidoscope enhance the learning experience. They leave children with deeper connections and memorable experiences. If there were more programs throughout the country that were dedicated to making learning fun the way Kaleidoscope did, I believe students would take more out of their lessons and become deeper learners later in life. The keys to friendship, confidence, and determination can be taken from such experiences.With those tools in one’s metaphorical toolbox, one may achieve anything.
From first through fourth grade at Peace Dale Elementary School, I was a part of a program called Kaleidoscope. Kaleidoscope enabled four teachers to work together to create a fun and interactive schooling environment for their students. In this program, there were two first and second grade mixed classes, a third grade class, and a fourth grade class. During the day, the two classes of younger students would move between their classrooms for different subjects. For example, if it were time for math lessons, all the first grade students would move into one classroom and all the second grade students into another. These two teachers would work very closely to ensure the students got the most out of their time in both classrooms.
Not only were the younger classes closely linked, but several times a week, all the Kaleidoscope teachers would set aside time for “book buddies.” During this time, each of the first and second graders would be paired up with either a third or fourth grader and they would read to each other to enhance their learning experience. Additionally, at least once a week, all four classes would gather in the school library and have a group singing time. All the students would join into the silly songs their teachers had taught them including “A Pizza Hut,” “Black Socks,” and “Out the Window.”
This program was also very interactive for the parents of the students. Parents were constantly invited into the classrooms to assist the teachers and to watch as their children progressed. For my family, that meant my mother and sister would attend my class seeing as my younger sister was not yet old enough for school when I was in first and second grade. Additionally, during the winter and spring, Kaleidoscope hosted full day events asking the parents to volunteer to lead activities. In the winter, the Kaleidoscope event would be hosted among the four Kaleidoscope classrooms and children could move from one activity to another for a day of fun. It was the same for the spring, except the event was structured as a picnic and held at a local park. The parental involvement of Kaleidoscope definitely enhanced the learning experience for me and all the other students involved.
During my years in Kaleidoscope, I made many friends, some of which moved away and most I drifted away from. Although this is true, in the years after I found that my best friend for life was in that small group of students involved in Kaleidoscope. Although we were not good friends back then, having known each other for years led me and my best friend, Kate, to reconnect in high school. There is no better way to bond with someone than over childhood memories. Having known each other so long, Kate and I are able to connect on a deeper level and give each other the support we need when the other is feeling down.
I believe that programs such as Kaleidoscope enhance the learning experience. They leave children with deeper connections and memorable experiences. If there were more programs throughout the country that were dedicated to making learning fun the way Kaleidoscope did, I believe students would take more out of their lessons and become deeper learners later in life. The keys to friendship, confidence, and determination can be taken from such experiences.With those tools in one’s metaphorical toolbox, one may achieve anything.